Interleukin-1 beta in human colostrum.
The two forms of interleukin-1, IL-1 alpha and IL-1 beta respectively, and tumour necrosis factor (TNF) are polypeptides sharing different biological activities which are often associated with host defence mechanisms. Because of the well-recognized benefits of breast feeding for newborns, colostrum from 9 healthy lactating women was analysed for the presence of these 3 cytokines. Specific radioimmunoassay revealed that colostrum contains a significant amount of IL-1 beta (mean +/- SEM values of 1,130 +/- 259 pg/ml). The concentrations of IL-1 alpha and TNF were negligible. Colostral leukocytes are able to produce IL-1 since high activity was found after stimulation with Staphylococcus epidermidis. In addition, these cells produced IL-1 spontaneously in vitro, in contrast to resting maternal blood monocytes. As IL-1 increases resistance to infection, the presence of this cytokine represent a beneficial aspect of breast feeding.
Munoz
C
C
Division of Geographic Medicine and Infectious Diseases, New England Medical Center Hospitals, Boston, MA.
Endres
S
S
van der Meer
J
J
Schlesinger
L
L
Arevalo
M
M
Dinarello
C
C
D000328:Adult; D003126:Colostrum / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007375:Interleukin-1 / Q000032:analysis* / Q000096:biosynthesis; D007962:Leukocytes / Q000276:immunology; D011247:Pregnancy; D013212:Staphylococcus epidermidis / Q000276:immunology; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000032:analysis
D007375:Interleukin-1; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha